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Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 5 2013, 10:03 PM

Hey buddy, let's start working on things - had in mind some quick drills to work on your chops, one lesson for each technique mentioned in the PM - can you have these ready until next Friday, let's say? Would you prefer making a video with all of them or just audio?

Alternate picking and legato: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/legato_and_picking_intermediate/

Articulation: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/bending-control/

Deal?

Cosmin

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 5 2013, 10:17 PM

Hey Cosmin!

It's definitely a deal! I really like all Muris' lessons and they all make me want to actually practice. I used to be around when he was an instructor here and I was always looking forward to his lessons. There are probably a ton of lessons in between 2010 and now that I haven't checked out, but that'll come in time. I've seen 10 or so of your lessons and they were all very nice! Also heard some of your bands stuff, and even though I mentioned a lot of different genres earlier, I do like the more djenty and prog stuff, especially if there's a dreamy vibe to it.

Enough of that! The Walliman lesson is great if a bit intimidating, but I won't shy away from the challenge, and I think what will cause me the most problems is some of the timing as well. Coming in a 16th note after a beat has always been one of my weaknesses, but we shall see. It's not so bad as it's "only" at 80 bpm.

And I'll definitely be making videos, if that is alright. I just need to adjust a bit with the focus, lighting and so on, but that'll come.

On a side note I've also got a 7 string guitar which I probably use most of the time... well, that or the strat. Depends a bit on what I'm playing.

Would it be alright if I post some other stuff in regards to my playing in here along the way besides just things you have mentioned? Or do we keep it clean and straight?

EDIT: Thinking about maybe starting a thread in the practice area that will just be about other things I'm practicing as well? Not too sure now. Could use that for all other things and keep this pretty streamlined?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 6 2013, 09:02 AM

Mornin' Ben!

You can post anything you wish in this thread It's yours The whole idea is to keep to the tasks at hand so that you may progress What did you have in mind regarding other questions?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 6 2013, 10:42 AM

Morning! This is the best day in a long time! I'm happy as can be for some reason. Had a bit of a less-good few weeks for no particular reason (well, it's another, long story!). The sun is shining, I've been up early, I've signed up for singing lessons...for free!

Yes, you heard it right. Free (and good) singing lessons paid by the state basically. I had singing lessons for half a year when I was 15, almost 10 years ago, and I'm really looking forward to it again. Back then was just regular all round lessons, but this time it's more rock-esque lessons in regards to general technique as well of course, but also about belching, overdrive, twang, curb and so on. I might share some of that as well, as I know you sing as well. So perhaps you'll have a few tips there as well.

I'm practicing some other stuff as well on the guitar so I might share that as well, if that's alright. Trying to get my alternate picking comfortable at 16th notes at 140 bpm for a start. That's still very shaky, but I've only been back at practicing that for one day after 5-6 years away from practicing.

...Anyway, back to this being a good day! The sun is shining, I'm feeling motivated for exercising (which I haven't done for 2 weeks. Recently lost 11 kg in 5 weeks through exercising, then not been feeling like doing anything for the past two weeks, but now I feel like I want to get back in the saddle... on my racing bicycle). But first to clean up my apartment! And then I need to learn to drink coffee. It's cheaper than energy drinks.

I was thinking about making some progress videos along the way, if that sounds meaningful to you. I.e. I might upload the Muris' lesson tonight (along with "Lydian beginner phrasing", "Dorian beginner phrasing", "jumping around" and I think there's one more I can't remember right now, which I started practicing 2 days ago... might upload them to the REC program as well).



OKAY! Too much energy from energy drinks, clearly.

Also, if you don't already know them, be sure to check out Sieges Even and their album The Art of Navigating by the Stars. It's an absolutely amazing and complete album and I think you might like it. Some of it anyway. Here's a playlist of the full album. If you have the time and feel like it be sure to at least check out the very first song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8i-lMU9UTY&list=PLE5JKfzpe1Ksn18bIfdBf3y_TCLmhpP88

That genre/style is probably my all time favorite. It could have a spice of djent at times and it'd be absolutely perfect.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 7 2013, 10:38 AM

Hey mate! Sure, go ahead and post everything - it sounds like you have a lot of time on your hands as those lessons are not so easy, but I am very curious to see the results. Recording yourself is a great idea, as the recording is your mirror, in terns of playing

Regarding singing - I see you are using a lot of terms that are very familiar to me, such as twang I think we'll have a great time together talking about these as well... and as a last thing - quit energy drinks You might want to try green tea as it gives you a lot of energy and it is also very healthy! It even beats coffee, you know

I am waiting to see some vids so that we may begin discussing on things!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 7 2013, 11:43 AM

I'll try and get a few videos up tonight. I was so tired yesterday evening that I could barely sit up straight. Of course I then ended up being up very late and felt very awake in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep.

I usually don't drink a whole lot of energy drinks, but wanted to try it out to see the effects. I don't like coffee either, and yesterday I came crashing down so hard after having been pumped up on energy, that I'd rather just be a little tired all day I think. Funnily enough I actually went out and bought green tea yesterday as well right after I had signed up for the singing lessons. They start next friday.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 8 2013, 04:04 PM

Just spent some time on the two lessons, and while I've got the Muris' one almost down to presentation level, the David Walliman one is causing me more troubles. Especially with the timing.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 8 2013, 11:11 PM

No matter man - you can post a recording as it is now, so I can take a look and help you along the way What say you?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 8 2013, 11:13 PM

I'll see if I can get it done tonight, but I'm going to my girlfriend's place tomorrow untill Wednesday. I'm bringing my guitar so I can practice while she's away during the day, but I probably won't be able to record unless I bring my PX4D and some other stuff. I'll look into that tomorrow before I go.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 9 2013, 12:20 AM

Mind you, I haven't worked a lot on it. Half an hour earlier today and some time just now. Half an hour as well maybe. I still don't remember the full lesson, so it's me playing this while looking at the tab.

I haven't paid too much attention to the bends yet, as I've been wanting to just the hang of the timing of the lesson. Some quite glaring mistakes, but hey, warts and all as I said in the PM. Throw something at me!

And let's throw this in for good measure, though it went better earlier. I know there's a wrong note in the end, but I'm getting a bit t ired now

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 9 2013, 12:15 PM

Hehe!

Mate, here are my thoughts on this:

- your tone is very nice
- you got the grasp on both lessons
- in the first video, I can clearly see that you don't harness the lesson yet You should internalize it and focus on interpretation and flow, as right now it is almost 95% correct, technically but it feels very mechanical - am I making sense?
- Muris will not be pleased about your timing, young man That's what you need to focus on in order to get this lesson straight to the top! Please slow down and make sure that everything is in good timing, as right now, a lot of your phrases begin a bit too abruptly

Do we have a deal?

Cosmin

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 9 2013, 01:34 PM

Cheers, Cosmin.

The tone was actually created for my 7 string with different pick ups obviously etc., so it's more luck than anything. I also prefer playing on my 7 string, though the strat is easier to play as it has such low action, but I still feel more at home with my other guitar.

I have brought my guitar along to my girlfriend's place and will be practicing while she's away tomorrow. I've brought my soundcard and webcam and everything (it all fit perfectly into my guitar bag!), so will give it a go today/tomorrow.

I know what you say about the Muris one. I would have prefered to upload the takes I didn't record earlier, but oh well. I have absolutely no problem going back to say 50% tempo and practicing slow. I really want to go totally back to square one and not try and jump ahead or anything. Get everything down to a tee, you know. That's also why I'm practicing some of Muris' 2-difficulty lessons (lydian beginner phrasing, dorian beginner phrasing and jumping around... and I think there's one more which I can't remember right now!)

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 10 2013, 09:07 AM

That's very good man - what I want to point out tho:

NO rushing Take your time - of course, don't become a slouch - focus on each and every detail possible, both when learning and when recording - deal?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 10 2013, 02:35 PM

Yes, I agree. I will probably record a bit more progress of things once I get home and get going. Will be home again tomorrow.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 11 2013, 09:20 AM

Great I will be around... watching... waiting

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 11 2013, 10:47 AM

I will try and record something tonight. I did a few takes yesterday, and I ended up doing the best guitar face you will have ever seen. Me and my girlfriend was laughing so hard looking at it again and again. I'll probably upload that bit to a thread. It's definitely my best guitar face yet ever!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 11 2013, 09:33 PM

Let's see it then - hope it didn't spoil the playing tho

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 11 2013, 10:58 PM

Wanted to record something today, but my football coach asked if I wanted to come home to him and try the new Fifa demo, and now it's getting really late. This wasn't in my plans! I will upload a gif of it tonight when I'm on my laptop.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 12 2013, 01:20 AM

Two new Murises. I've yet to be on the laptop, so no funny guitar face. Sorrieeees!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 12 2013, 02:35 AM

Oh, and here's this just from before bed time:

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 12 2013, 09:12 AM

Howdy Ben - the 75 BPM one is cool! The 100 BPM one is a bit problematic because of your tendency to delay the entrance in each separate phrase - see min 0:13 - am I making sense? Focus on correcting this

Wow - nice touch man! I think you need to develop a little more variation in phrasing, but you are definitely on the right darn track

Well, there's one more thing - these types of backing tracks are too long and too linear to develop creative playing - I would use them for rehearsing a particular lick, but usually if I want to create, I would consider recording a chord progression from the moment I have a structure in my mind and work my way up from there.

It needs to open up into something different - can you feel that? By this, I mean that the backing is static and it makes your playing feel static too

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 12 2013, 11:06 AM

I'll give it a bit more work for sure. I've been jumping back and forth between 75 bpm and 100 bpm. I could of course just play it with a metronome to work it up to speed. I see what you mean though. I tried 50 bpm, by the way...that was a nightmare! I think my problem is the octave in the start of each measure...rythmically. If that makes any sense.

I absolutely do need to develop my phrasing more, but that's why I actually chose this track and why I like these kinda more static tracks. There's not so much going on in regards to chords and so on, so I feel I can focus more on my phrasing than if I had to think: "Oh, here's an Am7...here's an Fmaj9 and then here's an E7 and now it modulates". But I completely agree otherwise!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 12 2013, 04:12 PM

I'm beginning to hate this lesson...

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 12 2013, 10:34 PM

I submitted two takes of lessons I have been working on today to the REC program, Beginner solo in D and Jumping Around beginner. (Yeah, I do like Muris' lessons!). They're not completely polished, but I felt confident enough to post them in there.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 13 2013, 10:44 AM

About that octave thing - yes it does make sense The 'jump' causes problems, so focus on that jump, ok? I know because I played the lesson myself

Regarding the 'staticness' - it is good to be able to have space to develop your phrases and not worry about the changes while composing, but the downside is, that you will get so caught up that you will end meandering aimlessly around the track and waste a lot of time, instead of being focused - this is what was happening to me - I don't know if it's your case tho - how do you feel about this?



On'em, as we speak



Mate - you are almost there! There are very slight timing issues which you should be able to observe if you play against the original recording - they are very little, but I can feel them -they are more like hesitations, if you know what I mean Try this idea and let's see how it works, aye?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 13 2013, 10:54 AM

I will! Are we gonna continue with these two or add some new stuff? I will continue to work on all of this though, no problem.



I do agree, I just don't feel totally comfortable at the moment improvising over too much of a non-static backing track. I know it's good to push boundaries though, of course.



Cheers! I know it's back to square one, but hell, I'm sure it's good to build from the ground up.




I'll try and record that, same with the Muris one. I know that that usually goes much better. It's usually how I go about learning lessons to begin with.

On a side note. I was supposed to start my singing lessons today. I was up early, had breakfast, showered, everything, ready to go... then I bend over and I get stuck! My back started hurting like crazy. I had even gotten over the nervousness and was looking forward to it. I would have been out the door 5 minutes later. Had to cancel. As long as I don't move too much, it's alright, but I'm not singing, standing up, moving around etc. So I cancelled today. Next friday will hopefully be better!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 13 2013, 12:28 PM

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 13 2013, 03:11 PM

Hehe - aside from 0:44 when things sounded blurry - it looks like you are ok with it Now focus on fixing that one and record with the backing track - aim to understand the lines well before starting to record - as now you have done a good job, but it needs to be non mechanical, if you get what I am saying. Sometimes, we can imitate but, when we face the idea of playing by ourselves we can't play that perfect because we haven't completely understood the length of some phrases or rests Hope I was clear BTW - 0:34 kittie time! What are doing there human??

Take care of that back, mate - and yes, we will stick to these two until you get them straight, because you are VERY close

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 13 2013, 03:17 PM

I need to spend 10 minutes practicing those 1 or 2 measures around :44. I've been procrastinating it and I don't know why. I keep forgetting how it goes.

Fair enough. As you have noticed with the RECs I've been working on some stuff on the side as well. I've got another one to put up for the REC program, but I'm not sure if I should wait or not. I'm feeling a bit over-active on the board at the moment... but I'm not sure what the general view on that is. I just want this place to be as active as possible!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 13 2013, 05:14 PM

I just can't remember the last part of this! I can play it on it's own, but as soon as I get to it as part of the lesson I've forgotten what the hell I'm supposed to be playing:





And I can't tell if I'm improving or not with the Muris one:



As for feel and non-mechanicalism( ) in the Walliman lesson. I'm really struggling with it, as I'm not feeling it at all!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 15 2013, 09:21 PM

Hey Ben - all I can say is MINOR HESITATIONS in both lessons

The Walliman one - if you don't feel it then, that's that We can try something else - why not you tell me a bending/ articulation based lesson which you enjoy? The idea is that at this point, you can play it technically well, but it sounds rigid and that is NOT what we want, right?

The Muris one - I think you are ready for the REC zone, although, I felt that little hesitation at about 0:34

What say you?

Cosmin

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 15 2013, 10:12 PM

Sounds cool by me. I liked the Walliman lesson to begin with, but it just hasn't grown on me since then. I'd love to work more on bending and so on though. Let me have a look through some lessons and I'll be back to you.

I'll definitely work more on the Muris and bring it to the REC zone!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 16 2013, 07:29 AM

Good plan - bring it on mate!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 16 2013, 11:10 AM

I keep coming back to Muris' lessons, though I've been trying to find some other ones.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/rocking-tune-beginner/

Or perhaps this is a good bending workout:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/String-Bending/

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 17 2013, 08:32 AM

Hey mate - both are good I think that you can tackle them both, as in start with one, finish it, record it and take it to the REC zone and then the other in the same way. I think you are a very proficient player and your learning curve is quite a steep one That's a compliment

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 17 2013, 10:48 AM

I'll get to it then!

Well, I've been down the road before, but I used to play with my whole arm back then, and I've now changed to playing with my wrist, so that was back to square one for starters. Then not having played for years and years properly, plus I used to take some short cuts when practicing and not do it properly. These days there are no short cuts and I don't care if I'm playing level 3 lessons or level 7. I don't feel quite ready to move on to way harder stuff yet though, as I still need too many takes on the easy stuff. I'd like to be able to play all those lessons from the REC fluently every time, not just 4-5 times (then choosing the best take).

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 17 2013, 02:53 PM

Ah mate - I see your point, but you have to understand that there are days and days You may feel like you can take over the world one day and then another, you are down in the gutter. This is occurring regardless of how great your chops are - but I think that you plan of tackling as many lessons which are a bit under your level is a good one. In this way, you will become stronger and more confident and when the right time comes, you can move on Keep me posted with takes and I will help out with everything I can!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 17 2013, 03:14 PM

My bending on my seven string seems so much better than on my strat, on which I just can't get it right. My 7 string is being fixed though. I usually fix and repair everything myself, but this I couldn't get right. Some filing on the saddle of the low B had to be done as well as some floyd rose stuff, which I couldn't for the life of me get right either (as soon as I pulled up the whammy bar it went out of tune, dive bombs were fine...). He said he'd see what he could do.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 17 2013, 05:12 PM

Always a good thing to take it to a luthier Let me know how it goes

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 17 2013, 05:34 PM

Will do. I don't even feel like playing my strat now. It feels so lightweight. 0.09 strings, such low action you could probably just blow some air onto the fretboard and play the notes, but yet it just feels less right than the 7 string.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 17 2013, 10:52 PM

If he had thet spare parts that he might need I'd be able to get it tomorrow he said, if not it might be another 5 days. Hopefully tomorrow! I really don't feel like touching my strat at the moment and I'm even contemplating selling it

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 18 2013, 07:59 AM

Mate... if you care about my thoughts - don't sell the strat You'll want one later on. We all do well, not me.. I want a telecaster

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 18 2013, 08:04 AM

I am known for selling stuff and then regretting it 5 days later! I sold my digital piano and a couple of months later I had to go out and buy a new one!

I won't sell the strat right away, but I prefer not to practice technique on it as it's such a difference from the other one. I might have my parents bring me my last electric guitar which I've left at home with them. It's a cheap one but in pretty good condition. And looks awesome!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 19 2013, 08:44 AM

I try to practice on all my guitars, so that I won't feel like they are strange to me in any way when I need to use them onstage. Plus, hell man, that Strat has a super nice tone - I'd use it only for that

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 19 2013, 11:35 AM

Before my seven string was fixed (way back when it was in terrible condition) I used to play all of my guitars, but now...well, there's just such a difference between the seven string and the strat. I like the strat for chords and so on though. I have a third electric guitar at my parents' place. I forgot to ask them to bring it with them though. I kinda want it now.

By the way, I haven't really gotten going on the lessons. Been ill for 2 days, had my parents come by and been working on my "The League of..." collab take.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 20 2013, 08:37 AM

No worries mate - take your time, as no one is rushing you Keep me posted on the progress when you record, ok? It is normal to feel that some of your guitars are friendlier in respect to some techniques, but it would be awesome to be able to express yourself with the same ease on each one. As Musashi says - In all things have no preferences. You can read more about his 21 rules of living If you are interested, I can tell you more about it

http://www.musashi-miyamoto.com/dokkodo.html

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 20 2013, 08:53 AM

Sounds interesting. I will have a read in a bit.

I was supposed to go to the singing lessons today, but I've had a bit of a change of heart and feel a bit stupid. I signed up for them thinking it was a good idea, but for some reason I wasn't signed up for complete beginner lessons, and as I said it's been almost ten years. So if I were to join I'd like it to be from the beginning or at least have practiced my singing at home myself. I can still hit the notes...sometimes. And I'd have liked to have gotten that "sometimes" out the way before starting. It's sort of how my brain works. It was the same when I was a kid and started playing football - I practiced at home before starting as not to look a complete fool. As far as I can tell I can sign up for the lessons again any time.

I'm thinking about signing up for mixing/producing lessons instead. It's less intimidating and you're less "naked" in your "performance", if that makes sense.

Now I better get singing incorporated into my practicing. I've got a midi keyboard (with weighted keys, 88 of them as well etc), so I'll try and use that for practicing for a bit.

Stupid Ben!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 21 2013, 07:21 PM

Mate, let me tell you a story

There was this clumsy dude at the sword seminar/exam today - he is that sort of nerdy guy that you would expect everyone to make fun of, but he came and watched, listened and executed. Clumsily but patiently and driven and guess what, he made it My old headmaster in highschool had a saying - 'If you feel like you wanna do something, just do it. Don't think THAT much about it'

In less words, get out there and learn without worrying if you are prepared or not

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 23 2013, 01:12 AM

I do agree that some times you just have to take the jump and plunge in both feet and do the best you can, but it was just too much of a leap of faith. I don't feel confident in my rythmical feel or anything yet - not even on the guitar. So I'm going to join another course which is about mixing and producing music. It's a bit less intimidating!

I'm gaining massive amounts of confidence on the guitar at the moment, so that's really great, but as said it was a bit too much with the singing lessons as of yet, even if one of my friends heard me singing the other day (mind you, just along with a Pearl Jam song) and she was really encouraging me to take the lessons at some point. I can probably get the singing lessons for free any time within the next two years, so it's all cool. Need to practice my voice more!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 23 2013, 08:40 AM

I understand your fear, but I don't understand why you should fuss that much to prepare yourself for going somewhere to prepare yourself - if you get my meaning

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 24 2013, 10:42 AM

Well, I don't know if I would call it fear. I just wasn't comfortable with joining a non-beginner group of singers for singing lessons. I might be able to hit the notes etc., but I prefer to just practice a bit before starting. Like when I was a kid with football.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 24 2013, 10:45 AM

Ah mate, as ye wish, after all, if it doesn't bring you any pleasure, it's not fun anymore - and when something is not fun anymore, we all know what happens.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 27 2013, 12:11 AM

I'm sure it'll bring me pleasure if I start from the bottom and work my way up. Right now I'm gonna apply for some mixing/mastering course instead. It's less intimidating.

Also, I finally got around to practicing the Rocking Tune lesson by Muris. Here's what putting 45 minutes into it gives you:



Still some things to work on though.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 27 2013, 08:35 AM

Hey mate - it feels like you pretty much got the hang of this one, now there are some very small but nevertheless important details such as the bends at 0:41 and 0:54 - they are not technically wrong but on the rim of barely touching the pitch which was intended

It's all a matter of playing it more That's what I say! What else are you cooking mate?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 27 2013, 12:02 PM

Yeah, I'll work on it today and perhaps at the end of the day get it to the REC (along with the Picking and Legato exercise).

I'm not cooking much else at the moment. I had this idea of making a student instructor lesson or a collab, or just try to record some song I wrote a long time ago (attached), but which I never recorded. Though some parts are probably a bit out of my reach.



Oh and then I've been going through Troy Stetina's Speed Mechanics a bit.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 28 2013, 02:33 PM

Hey mate - I have a question - can you record it, of course at a slower tempo, so that you can play it?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 28 2013, 09:37 PM

I could try and work on it for sure. I still feel like I need my technique and rythmic feel to be better though to be honest, so I don't feel quite ready yet.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 29 2013, 11:44 AM

Alright mate - as you wish I was curious to see if you can nail it perfectly at a slower speed - because from that point on, it would only be a matter of practicing it and increasing the speed slowly

I want to encourage you to work on your own creations as well

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 29 2013, 09:46 PM

Cosmin! I'm about to lose my mind with the Rocking Tune lesson! I can't get the matching bends or whatever you'd call them down at all. I either can't get the bends right, feel like my fingering is completely off or feels unnatural or in the end I'm not even hitting the strings right!

Here's the link again, the specific bends are in video 4.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/rocking-tune-beginner/

Any chance of a video advice or similar? Could be posted in the video advice thread as well!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 30 2013, 07:46 AM

Sure man! A video will be in yer screen today - alongside something extra in it Stay tuned!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 30 2013, 01:34 PM

Today is a terrible guitar day, Cosmin. I don't feel like playing at all, which might be due to the fact that I can't seem hit any note right today. Feel like I'm stagnating with the Rocking Tune and other things. Maybe I need a day or two away from guitar. I have been playing quite a lot lately.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 30 2013, 06:38 PM

Hey Ben - hope this will soothe both problems

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 30 2013, 06:53 PM

It says the video is unavailable

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 30 2013, 07:20 PM

Alright, working now! That was a really nice video. I really like your video responses. I'm taking a break for today though for sure.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 1 2013, 08:00 AM

Glad you liked it man Always happy to know I can trigger a change for someone, so please after getting some rest, try those bends and the more complex ones - it's a good exercising and it'll also expand your musical vocabulary

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 1 2013, 03:48 PM

Do you know Psychotic Waltz, by the way? One of my favorite prog metal bands:

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 2 2013, 10:13 AM

On another note, I've been using sort of economy picking for ages, so my alternate picking isn't all that great in terms of...well, alternate picking through pieces that aren't straight 16th notes, or even just stuff that skip between strings. I kinda want to get back at that. So that every 16th note should alternate, even if not picked, if that makes sense.

Example one is how I'd like it to be, example two is how I end up picking it:



I guess it's not THAT big a deal, but I'd like to be able to think in alternate picking for consistency.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 2 2013, 12:34 PM

Awesome Here's what I suggest - make a video in which you play slow - VERY slow and focus on playing the example by following the desired picking pattern. Focus on on minimal wrist movement on the right hand and moving the left one as little as possible away from the fretboard Let's see what you get, deal?

And about the band, I heard the name many times but I never got a chance to listen to their music Will do it now tho!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 2 2013, 03:42 PM

That was not very "economic" picking wise or fretting wise, I know. Just trying to get the motion going.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 3 2013, 12:42 PM

Hey mate - it's looking good so far. What I think you should do - try a metronome which marks beat one. It is crucial to practice in respect to beat one, as right now you don't have a landmark and it would be a tad difficult to implement this lick in a context if you can't hear it in respect to beat one.

From this point on, the approaches are strictly up to you:

- alternate picking will bring a more rhythmic approach to things
- playing it with more legato will bring a fluid sound to it

The choice belongs to you

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 3 2013, 12:49 PM

I'd like to develop my alternate picking and rythmic feel. Maybe we could even find some exercises that would do that?

And that's even though I like legato, economy picking and fluidity more! But without rythm, fluidity means nothing!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 3 2013, 01:54 PM

I'm really struggling with this! GRRR!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 4 2013, 09:06 AM

Mate - it sounds to me, now that I have the first beat marked, that there's an extra note somewhere I will make a video for ya with my thoughts, ok?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 4 2013, 10:05 AM

Sure, go ahead! I can't really seem to locate the extra note, but you could be right!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 5 2013, 06:00 PM

Hehe No extra note I just couldn't hear the lick in respect to a rhythmic landmark - check this out:

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 8 2013, 11:34 AM

Again thanks for the video! I will try it with a bit more emphasis on the first beat.

Sorry for the delay on coming back to you on this. I have been away for a few days and just had a look through the forum.

Did you get a chance to listen to Psychotic Waltz, by the way?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 8 2013, 10:13 PM

Can I jump out a window soon, Cosmin? I just can't get the Rocking Tune down better than what I already posted in the REC zone.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 8 2013, 10:22 PM

No biggie, mate Yeah, I did, but it's too complicated for me at this point I like simple stuff in this stage of life - I mainly play acoustic songs with my voice tagging along

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 11 2013, 02:01 PM

That's no worries. Here's one of my favorite acoustic songs, I think:



He's made quite a few good ones though

What's my current "assignment" by the way? I seem to have lost track of it!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 12 2013, 08:16 AM

Well, take a look at your list and see if all your work in progress lessons are into the REC zone If not, which one would be next in line? If there isn't any left, just let me know and I'll know what to do

Nice song btw I like it a lot! Share more, if you have more

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 12 2013, 12:18 PM

I'm actually working on another Muris one It's the harmonic minor beginner lesson. Struggling a bit with some of the bends. I'm going away till Monday though now.

Here's another one:

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 13 2013, 12:17 PM

Nice one mate - it goes very well with the weather here

Now when you get back - I'll be waiting news on the new lesson - I know that one and it's pretty darn nice

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 23 2013, 09:53 AM

Hey mate, just got back from a week away at my girlfriend's place. I brought my guitar but didn't get to play much.

On a somewhat related note, winter and me aren't the best of friends, so I already feel my mood dropping the less daylight there is. I'll try and fight it with playing more guitar

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 24 2013, 09:44 AM

I totally understand you man I have some trouble with the cold and winter usually means a lot of warmup for me before playing, because of my blood circulation. Hopefully, the weather will not be as harsh as I expect it this winter... Keep me posted

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 25 2013, 11:59 AM

I'm mostly just struggling (even more so than usual!) with motivation for anything at all when it's winter. Too much darkness and not enough sun!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 26 2013, 08:23 AM

Hmmmmm I find energy in other things during winter - having a drink with some merry friends by a fire, or eating some of my grandma's delicious cakes/pies/sweets. I am certain there has to be a catalyst for you as well mate - look for your magic winter potion.

Let's brainstorm here - there must be something, aye?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 26 2013, 10:19 AM

One of my potions would be to have everything around me cleaned up and in order, and I'm working on that, but it's taking a few days

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 26 2013, 05:36 PM

Can we (well, me) work on small exercises like the ones in here:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=31205&hl=caelumamittendum

As for now I need to get back into the saddle and stuff like that seem easier to overcome to get back on the horsie. I could re-record those or we could find some new exercises that work on various techniques. It could be lessons as well, but I'm a bit lost with all the 3000 lessons out there.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 27 2013, 04:00 PM

Hey buddy Gotcha! Let's try some legato and AP drills right away!

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-workout/

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/legato-stamina/

I studied these myself and they are quite some hell raisers I suggest you to tackle them and not worry too much about getting them to full speed right away Focus on exercising them with the backing tracks available at the speed limit right below 100% and see how they feel

How about it?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 29 2013, 04:22 PM

Oh man, not THAT Muris' lesson. It's honestly one of the most difficult ones for me, since I always end up economy picking through it. I don't know why it's so difficult. For me that's more like an 8 than a 5 lesson

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 29 2013, 06:11 PM

It means it's the one you need to work on Heh! I know it's nasty - but it will help! C'mon, chop, chop now!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 3 2013, 06:13 PM

Man, Cosmin, I've totally lost every last bit of motivation. I can hardly play for more than 2 minutes without thinking: "no, this sucks... I'm bored, let's go do something else".

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 3 2013, 11:49 PM

It means you are not in the mood to play the guitar Don't force yourself - in fact stay away from it for 2-3 days - have you tried this?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 4 2013, 02:24 PM

I've rarely tried that to be honest. I keep having a feeling that I should play or that I want to play, but then I pick up the guitar and lose concentration and motivation after 30 seconds. I've recently changed strings to 9's, cause it was all I had lying around, and they feel terrible to me, so I've just gone out and bought some 10's. Now I need to set up intonation again as well

Time for some Eddie Vedder and guitar setup!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 5 2013, 12:32 PM

Just gonna answer here. Yes, still in that mind. I don't know whether it's Winter causing it or what, but it's starting to annoy me a bit. It was sort of the same last year, but not to the same extent and not as sudden.

I haven't tried putting the guitar down for days. They're right there and I do have a feeling of wanting to play, but I quickly lose interest. Maybe I should try to ignore them for a couple of days and see what that does for me.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 6 2013, 08:57 AM

Try that mate - leave it a bit and do something else. Get out of the house, see people and release your brain It's probably going to take a couple of days, but that's it What do you have to lose if you try it?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 6 2013, 11:19 PM

I'm struggling with leaving it, and it seems I'm slowly feeling like playing again which feels great.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 7 2013, 07:58 AM

I've been away from the guitar for 3 days and my hands are already itchy I knew this was going to happen so I just let things take their course. Let me know how it goes, ok?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 7 2013, 05:40 PM

Will do! I just uploaded a take to the REC which I have been working on yesterday and today.

Also on another note, have you heard this song?



It's really awesome in my opinion.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 8 2013, 09:46 AM

Hey man! Thanks so much for sharing this! I love it as well

I just graded and left my thoughts in the REC zone

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 12 2013, 01:25 AM

Thanks, Cosmin! And Booyah, I just broke through the speed barrier! I haven't been able to break past 140 bpm, but now I'm at 150 bpm! WOOO!

16th notes that is.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 12 2013, 12:49 PM

Hey amigo! I see that you are in a better shape - spiritually, first and foremost

What's on the agenda? What are you working on?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 12 2013, 02:34 PM

I've just been working on some very simple exercises to get me in better shape. Some from old times, some Petrucci exercises, some from Toni Lloret's book "Exercises for the modern guitarist" I think it's called.

Besides that I've been trying to tackle Muris' http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/writing_a_solo-strong_notes/ , but the last two bars are giving me some trouble.

But primarily I've been focusing on small exercises that are comprehendible and that could get my technique better.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 13 2013, 12:50 PM

Interesting lesson I watched the final two bars and I'd be curious to see your take on those bars, so that I may know what to suggest in respect to improving things

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 19 2013, 02:13 PM

I've not played the lesson for a while, but I'll try and record something tonight.

On a not so related note, my first goal for writing music would be something in the style of Darkstar:



I'm just really struggling with writing anything these days.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 19 2013, 03:17 PM

Alright! Looking forward to the video Now, about songwriting - there's a lot of stuff to talk about so - a little movie, would be appropriate here easier than writing

Here ya go - my thoughts

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 20 2013, 05:30 PM

Here's the video:



I apologize for the angle. I had placed my webcam in a new position and I'm still trying to figure out what's best.

As on how I write music. I used to just have it all in my head - everything, every instrument. And then I would write it down in Guitar Pro, but never move on from there and record it. Then I tried a bit of a different approach with an in between of Guitar Pro and recording while writing, and that's how I came up with the orchestral thing I've shown before. I ended up more or less writing that in Cubase as I went along.

These days however I can come up with some nice little melody or riff or intro, but then I can't go on from there. It could be something like these two, which aren't totally well played, mind you... and they're probably a bit sinister in mood:





But then I don't know how to go on from there.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 22 2013, 11:05 AM

Howdy Ben! I think that the solo is good, but in the last part it kind of loses direction a bit - you could find some stronger phrases, maybe more formula based?

In respect to the two ideas - I will come back with a video today and talk to you about the importance of drums Stay tuned!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 22 2013, 12:46 PM

The solo wasn't my own, it was from this lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/writing_a_solo-strong_notes/

There are still some things to work on I guess for the REC.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 23 2013, 12:21 AM

Ha! I had the impression that you were working on a solo of your own and got caught up with spotting things Silly me!

Well, mate, here's what I have in mind regarding the parts you shared which have nice potential, but it's time to put them to good use:

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 27 2013, 11:08 AM

Thanks for the advice, Cosmin. I'll definitely keep it in mind when trying to write something. I'm a bit quick to discard ideas as well when it comes to writing. I want everything to be perfect, and I want it at first go. Now I know that that ain't never happening, but I can't help but get down when it doesn't really work out.

By the way, how was the "writing a solo" take of Muris' lesson? Ready to go to the Rec?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 28 2013, 09:46 AM

Hey Ben!

Since we both know that, you could step out of the comfort zone and try the different approach - accept that IT CAN'T GO RIGHT from the first shot Build things from the ground up. It took us 3 years to release the first Days of Confusion EP and we had the patience to write/arrange the songs without letting ourselves brought down because some things didn't come out as we would've wished, right away.

In respect to the recording .. hmmm, I am not particularly fond of what's going on after 0:30 -> it seems a bit mechanically played, so I would suggest a bit more interpreting on that part - listen to Muris' interpretation overall and try the dynamics and especially the more precise timing in that part that I brought into attention

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Dec 26 2013, 07:14 PM

I've completely lost my discipline and everything regarding guitar. I'm blaming winter and lack of wanting to do anything at all. When's spring coming!?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 26 2013, 11:19 PM

When you will call it mate I can make you accountable to me, but if you feel no pleasure in playing, it's not really the right thing to do. I don't think that winter is responsible What is it REALLY that you want from music? Maybe it's time to figure out what that is, as it's a shame not to put your skills to serve our great Lady Music

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Dec 27 2013, 02:51 PM

I'd just like to be able to reach a level where I can create music the way I'd like it. But that may be djent-level or similar. I still want to write something based around Dante's Divine Comedy, which I started with that classical piece I showed long ago.

How would it work if I was accountable to you? I do still feel pleasure in playing, I'm just always struggling with concentration and motivation.

On another note, I'm actually gonna start singing lessons on the 6th of January. Beginner lessons this time. Last time around when I chickened out it wasn't actually beginner level. So much more comfortable with it now. And then I'm starting some guitar lessons on the 7th and mixing techniques on the 8th. So maybe all of that will get me motivated again!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 27 2013, 11:03 PM

Alright man It's very good! Now - making yourself accountable to me, could mean that I would become the guy that sets a deadline and you need to respect it and give your absolute best to make things shine! It's like I am the producer and you are the artist = ARE YOU READY WITH THE NEW ALBUM?

For me, always having deadlines, worked fine I always started early so that I wouldn't find myself in the situation in which I would go bananas and not finish on time, so most of the times - 90% it all went well. Have you ever tried that? For me, a deadline can mean, an album release date or a big gig - I always make sure to announce the dates in public and book venues so that things will keep rolling

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 6 2014, 04:41 PM

Maybe deadlines will work. I'm not really sure. I need to figure out why I sometimes find it less fun to play guitar. The contest made me want to play and the results made me pick up my guitar almost immediately. I like that friendly competitiveness. That's why I've also sometimes wondered if it would be a good idea to try and find a practice buddy who's around the same level as me. Or above for that matter. Something to strive for.

On another note, I just spent the last 30 minutes practicing Guitar Loves Piano. I saw it in the REC zone and I'd never heard the lesson before, but it's really fun to play. Still needs some work, but this is what I'm at so far:



I don't know what's going on with my sound. It seems kinda funky in the video. I'm also still looking at the tabs while recording

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 7 2014, 08:54 AM

Hmmm We have times when the guitar just doesn't seem like the first thing we'd want to do, so as I said before, I totally understand the feeling. Sometimes, I starve myself of guitar intentionally just to get the most out of my sessions Sounds weird, eh?

Anyway, motivation to play should be intrinsic - I for one want to be able to express myself and that's why I'm practicing. I feel burned out sometimes because of other things I need to work on, but the desire is always there with me and I take advantage every time. I think that one solution would be to choose your favorite lessons and work together on them There's the fun factor, you also evolve and you have someone who keeps an eye on the progress

About the lesson - it is visible that you are still reading the tabs due to the fact that you are a bit delayed in comparison to the original phrasing You should take the time to memorize it first and forget the tabs. How bout another take after you have memorized the piece? I want to compare the two

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 7 2014, 01:02 PM

I'll give it a go without looking at the tabs while playing. I should be able to remember it all by now.

On another note, as you mentioned in the competition thread; contests definitely make me tick and makes me want to practice, but this one was a bit special as it was "less is more" and a levelled playing field for everyone. Youtube contests and what not have players far, far beyond my skill level.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 8 2014, 09:41 AM

Well now I am looking forward to seeing that one done and also, regarding the competitions - aside from the GMC collabs, you could try to enter some other competitions, but aim for the ones which don't focus on technical abilities, but on musical ones. I think you have enough technique to be able to come up with complex ideas without too much fuss, but the musical side should be your aim. I really think that you have chances of winning in virtually every situation out there, IF you are musical and catchy and your take has a certain direction and flow, regardless of the fact that you didn't play 500 notes/second

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 8 2014, 11:38 AM

Thanks for the kind and inspiring words. Maybe I'll try and enter one. I can't seem to find any contests or competitions going on at the moment though.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 9 2014, 08:29 AM

Nothing to it mate Just don't make it hard on yourself by letting your mind trick you into leaving the yellow brick road

In the mean time, let's see that take

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 9 2014, 02:47 PM

I can't really tell if this is better or not. The end is somewhat off...I find it kinda difficult coming in at the right time with that:

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 10 2014, 09:59 AM

Hey buddy You have a good touch, but the main issue here is timing, you are either too late or too soon in a few places. My advice here, is to play against the original recording and try to get the feel of the timing. It's NOT easy. For me, playing with the orchestra, was one of the best experiences in respect to learning how to adapt to a musical context which lacks the 'normal' timing/rhythm element. NO DRUMS, no metronome. Pretty scary ain't it? I learned, by practicing at home, against the original recordings and figuring out the land marks step by step. An orchestra is known to respect the sheet music, so there's no risk of them improvising something and getting you off the hook with not respecting any land marks which you are already aware of from the original recording. Such is the case here What do you think?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 22 2014, 11:45 PM

I finally got started on trying my luck with Cubase again and trying to get into recording stuff. I still need to work on my guitar sound though, but it's a start, I guess. It's very inspired by your Tesseract lesson:

It's not a final take by any means, and the playing isn't all that great. Just wanted to show you.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 23 2014, 09:23 AM

Hey Ben Glad to hear my lesson inspired you - the tone sounds a bit less present than it should and too buried in the mix, I think.

I am not too good with explaining freq. as for me everything is settled in respect to what I hear, when I am building a tone. How did you record?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 23 2014, 06:20 PM

Yeah, I know it lacks quite a few things. Was merely to get going with recording and getting used to Cubase

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 24 2014, 08:14 PM

Ah, so I can expect a REC take on the Tesseract lesson? Also, I haven't asked what are you using for the tone? For me, it's really simple as I am running away from digital devices and using my trusty AMT SS20 alongside a little nudge from the Suhr Shiba Drive as a booster

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 24 2014, 09:50 PM

I'm using Guitar Rig and some impulse response. I can't really get a good djent sound though. Here's another try:

 Test5.mp3 ( 1.15MB ) : 100


EDIT: No, wait, now the drums are too low in the mix

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 25 2014, 05:27 PM

Hey mate - the tone is definitely better than the last try, but indeed, why not raise the drum volume and add some bass guitar - virtual or recorded - it will definitely increase the chunk in the riff What do you intend to do with the tone? I mean what are you planning to record?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 25 2014, 06:12 PM

It's so difficult finding a nice djent-ish tone that has bass, but also presence. I can't seem to get it right, but I've improved it yet again, I feel.

I'm not as such planning to record anything - not untill I have a full song, maybe based around that riff there. But besides that I'm just trying to get into the groove of recorded with some various riffs. And then just trying to get a rythm tone that I like.

 Hmmm.mp3 ( 1.15MB ) : 103


The annoying thing with trying to come up with a good tone is that my headphones and speakers sound SO different. What sounds good on one of them doesn't sound good on the other, it seems. But this is the closest I've come so far.

EDIT: Here's yet another try:

 Hmmm2.mp3 ( 1.15MB ) : 100

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 26 2014, 07:20 PM

I think that I definitely like the first one better - it's less bassy and it has more presence

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 14 2014, 11:40 PM

Sorry, I've been out of the loop a bit, but I've fallen in love with my low B string and been trying to come up with some nice djenty riffs lately. Here's one, which is kinda odd (6/8, 5/16, 6/8, 5/16, 4/4, 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 3/16, 4/4, 5/8, 5/8). It's not very well played and it's probably a bit disconnected, but I just wrote the drums like my old drummer would play them.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 15 2014, 03:34 PM

Very interesting mate

I'd add some clean arpeggios and pads to create a Tesseractish atmosphere and a bass line to batch the riff, of course. After that, I'd re-record the guitars as tight as possible, maybe even edit them to make them tight as hell!

A new song in sight maybe?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 15 2014, 03:55 PM

Hah, yeah, it was inspired a bit or a lot by Tesseract, and of course it needs to be recorded tighter and with other parts. I just need to come up with them first

How do you come up with riffs, songs, progressions or what not? They used to simply pop into my head when I was younger, but they don't anymore. And if they do I struggle translating them to the guitar.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 16 2014, 08:32 AM

Just like you said mate... they come and go The thing is to catch them and record and orchestrate when they are fresh. That's all I can say.. For me it literally feels like fishing... You throw your fishing rod and let it there... do things in the mean time and when it pulls, grab it fast and get the fish!

Of course, relaxation and fighting mental stress will open up some channels Is there anything troubling you?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 16 2014, 03:02 PM

Oh, there are a few things troubling me, but they're probably best left for a private message some time. I used to be able to channel these things into some cool music, but that doesn't seem to happen anymore. Seems I need to be more relaxed now and stress-free.

Thanks for the advice, by the way. And sorry for not having been more active for a while. It'll come back soon, I'm sure.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 16 2014, 03:30 PM

Hey mate If you ever feel like talking, feel free to write me - help comes in many ways And just talking about stuff, sometimes makes you figure out how to solve it. Also, meditation seems to be a good way of solving a lot of problems - people just tend to reject it because it seems to easy... but it's actually not. All the answers to our problems are found within ourselves.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2014, 05:03 PM

Hey mate, I've sent you a PM

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 23 2014, 09:15 AM

Got it bro

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 3 2014, 04:08 PM

Hey Cosmin,

I posted yet another thread in the Student Instructor forum some days back. Next up is some alternate picking workout, I think.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 3 2014, 04:14 PM

Hey mate, I'll go check it out

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 3 2014, 04:40 PM

Thanks, Cosmin. It's kinda gone a bit unnoticed, which may just mean it's not worth looking at or people might have just missed it. Some other topics might spark more of an interest.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 4 2014, 10:17 AM

Mate - that side of the forum is a bit overlooked, out of what I have noticed.. Look at the dates of the last posts in the threads there and you will see that I am right

Might be it would be a better strategic move to post these somewhere else? Discuss it with Bogdan as well, as he is far more fit to help out with this sort of stuff

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2014, 10:14 AM

Completely forgot to answer this. That might be a good point actually. I'll give it a think.

I'm currently redecorating my attic room (it's like a hall with rooms for storage for people who live here), and it used to just be filled with random things and junk I never use. But I have a sofa and a table up there, so I thought: "Why not make it a place for practicing away from all the distractions?". I need some more lights though, as it's scary as hell up there now

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 13 2014, 10:48 AM

Ah! Exquisite! Put some time into it mate Your meditation/practice room can work WONDERS on your mind an spirit Post some pics and I shall give you my thoughts as well

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2014, 10:57 AM

There's not much to post yet. It needs some more lighting and maybe some painting on some walls if I can be bothered with that. Of course it isn't needed, but it might make it less scary if it was newly painted.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 14 2014, 09:34 AM

Ah, mate, I was referring to making up a sort of a 'then' and 'now' image project It could motivate other folks to take care of their little musical sanctuary

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 14 2014, 12:01 PM

I've started doing that here: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=51594&hl=

Have a look

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 15 2014, 11:39 AM

I wrote a few suggestions that I've seen put into action at a friend's house in the attic Check it out

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 15 2014, 12:03 PM

Thanks! As I wrote in there, money is a bit of an issue at the moment, but I'll definitely keep it in mind. Untill I get some more money, I'm just trying to get whatever materials I have around the house or that I can get very cheaply.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 17 2014, 02:55 PM

I had decided to sell one of my old guitars which is at my parents house, but I just got brilliant idea. Keep it, put some heavy gauge strings on and...DROP C tuning!

Much better idea than to sell it, right?

Actually it's not so much a drop C, it's an open Cminadd9 tuning that I like: C G C Eb C D. It's really cool. You have the drop C feel at the bottom strings, but can easily get some really cool chords on the top strings, cause you get some really nice intervals.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 18 2014, 08:55 AM

This sounds like a great idea man! But tell me, is there any band or artist that is currently using that tuning? I would be very curious to hear something played in that sort of tuning, so if there aren't any, I am waiting for a first recorded idea from you, of course

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 18 2014, 10:25 AM

Not that I know of. I just stumbled upon it one day while playing around with tunings. I'll give you a little demo some time. I've got my mom visiting me for a few days, and she's...a "all over the place, have to do something all the time"-kinda person, so I'm being ordered around constantly.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 18 2014, 11:43 AM

Trust me man, I know how that feels. I live in the same building with my whole family and even if we have separate apartments, the only way I could keep my mom out of my flat would be to take her key away Or change the lock Whenever you feel ready

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 18 2014, 06:31 PM

I'm not sure I could do that! Not with my mother! She'd come barging in all the time. I appreciate her, her being here, her mother-ness and all that she does and wants to do for me, but sometimes she's just being silly if you ask me. I've got a dishwasher, but still she insists that we just do the dishes in hand, "cause it's just as easy" etc. I don't mind, but then afterwards she wants to watch a movie or something tonight with me, while I really want to go to the attic to practice guitar

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 19 2014, 09:11 AM

I spend time with my mom and dad pretty much every day. It's cool, but up to a point. They started interfering a bit too much in my daily life and I am starting to like that less and less. Was it at least a good movie?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 19 2014, 09:44 AM

Escape from Alcatraz. My mom liked it, so that is good, but I prefer other kinds of movies. On my phone, hence the short reply.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 19 2014, 11:42 AM

I'm starting to lose my mind with this lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/neoclassical-3-levels-beginner/

Whenever I play it, I end up playing on the wrong beat cause the drums put me off. Any advice on that?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 20 2014, 09:12 AM

Hey mate Sure thing. Play it against the metronome and understand the length of the notes and the way in which they clash with the beat. Learn to hum the piece against the backing and against the metronome - I know you are looking at tabs - FORGET tabs. They only take your attention away from what you really should be focusing it on - the voice of your guitar and keeping it aligned with the context in which you perform

It's all a matter of discipline

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 20 2014, 09:25 AM

I'll try it. I end up playing on the snare, which is off beat.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 21 2014, 08:55 AM

How are you progressing with this man?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 21 2014, 09:39 AM

No progress. My mom is still here, but she's leaving in 30 minutes. Then it's guitar time!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 21 2014, 09:53 AM

Ah, I see Well, let me know when you have practiced and have results

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 21 2014, 12:21 PM

I promised you a small demo of the tuning I was speaking about, so I just made a very quick spoken video with a bit of playing as well:

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 23 2014, 09:27 AM

Wow Thanks very much man! This is surely amazing and I would like to use it in a demo If you don't mind of course. I will have a few PRS guitars on my hands each month, to review from next week onwards and I need to think of creative ways of coming up with vids. This would surely make up something great!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 23 2014, 10:48 AM

Absolutely!

It's great having this guitar on my hands now, it means I can have my 7 string in regular tuning or drop A, and my strat in Eb, my Wolf (the one in the video) in Cminadd9 (or just drop C).

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 23 2014, 11:34 AM

That sounds perfect - your arsenal is ready! Now go gittem and thanks again for making the review! Would it be ok if i share it with the rest of the guys? It's very well done and I think everyone should benefit!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 23 2014, 11:48 AM

Of course, share it! It was done very quickly though, so it could be better, but it's what it is and it is okay

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 24 2014, 08:20 AM

Great It is very well done mate, I think it can be really inspiring for people to start exploring things!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 27 2014, 09:47 AM

You know those times when you think: "Hey, I'm gonna start saving up for a new guitar!" or somthing similar...

...and the moment you think that in comes an extra electricity bill at £250, eating up all your savings.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 27 2014, 10:25 AM

Jesus man... 250 pounds? Do you own a huge generator or so? Our home has three apartments and together we pay about 170 pounds/month.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 27 2014, 10:31 AM

It's £250 extra for the whole year, so it's not too bad, just means I paid about £20 too little every month for the last year. I thought I had everything balanced, but apparently not.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 27 2014, 11:16 AM

Turns out it's only 150 extra, so a tenner and a bit each month would have made it.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 28 2014, 06:23 PM

I always hate it when some extra bills make surface when you least expect them... grrrr!! Well, have you managed to move headquarters yet?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 28 2014, 07:04 PM

Unfortunately I managed to make things even worse with my laptop and I've been trying to fix it for 2 days now without any luck. I get errors when trying to update Windows.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 29 2014, 08:35 AM

Ah mate, sorry to hear that.. Don't you have a friend who can fix it for ya? I have friends in a lot of fields and when something goes wrong with something, the answer is usually just a phone call away. Sometimes, trying to fix things on your own is way too time consuming and instead of focusing on what YOU should be doing, you're wasting precious time.

I don't know about you, but me, I am not at all an adept of the theory in which you have to know how to do everything. It's important to understand how things work but if you would take the time to do everything yourself, you would end up more cluttered than the seeds in a pomegranate

Hope the problem will be solved soon

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 29 2014, 04:49 PM

I'm usually capable of fixing computer issues myself, but this time around it has just been more troublesome than I have ever tried. But I should be done with things and ready to rock tonight.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 30 2014, 08:10 PM

So How'd it go with the laptop matey?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 30 2014, 08:32 PM

As of today it's all fixed and everything is installed. I would have made it yesterday, but a friend asked if I wanted to drink some beers and just chill and listen to some music, so a handful of beers and a bottle of rum shared later I wasn't really up to installing anything, but it was a nice evening/night though. I love drinking when it's not about drinking, but just about having a good time and talking about anything that comes to mind.

I really want to get more into playing more djent and progressive stuff again (I know, I know, I'm all over the place and don't stick to one thing!), so I was looking for videos to making Superior Drummer 2 sound more djenty. While doing that I came by Corelia and this song:



Do you know them? I love the transition to the chorus around 2:30!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 30 2014, 09:19 PM

Oh my god, shoot me now, the sound card issues are back...

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 30 2014, 09:23 PM

This is my favorite recording from their album I am a fan!

Hehe! Mate, it's not a bad idea to explore more genres, but try to get a composition finished in each style if you feel like it - whatever you do, aim for a tangible result I want to learn that - why? Because I want to use it in a song. Let's write the song with the certain something I am learning, or place the certain something in an already existing piece. You got the idea, right?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 31 2014, 02:57 PM

Hey Cosmin,

I finished the Gary Moore collab take last night, let me know what you think and if there's still anything to work on:

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 31 2014, 04:04 PM

Hey Ben I wouldn't change a thing mate - I mean you are playing correctly and with a nice touch - if that's what you felt in respect of note choice, that must be it

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 1 2014, 10:47 PM

Hey Cosmin!

As I can't comment in the REC section, I just wanted to say that I actually haven't posted it before. I just decided to record it tonight. I was working on it for 15 minutes the other day and half an hour today or so and decided to post it

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 2 2014, 07:40 AM

Hehe!

But you did a very good job man

What do you think if I would raise the bar a bit and suggest this one for ya?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/neoclassical-etude-1/

It doesn't have to be ready tomorrow

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 2 2014, 12:52 PM

It's not a bad idea at all. Though I know I will struggle with even the first note, as it comes in after the first 16th note, but hey...that's something I need to work on, so why not?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 3 2014, 11:33 PM

That's my boy Now, I don't want you to play it THAT fast initially, but respect the note lengths and interpretation at a slower tempo Deal?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 4 2014, 01:33 PM

No way I could play it at 140 bpm anyway at the moment. I'll play it slow to begin with! It's Friday and I'm not doing anything for the rest of the day, so there's time to practice!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 4 2014, 11:30 PM

I'm really struggling with remembering the "chromatic" passage. Any tips to remembering difficult passages?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 5 2014, 12:46 AM

Alright, here's after 1½ hours of working on it:



And I now remember the piece!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 5 2014, 04:43 PM

I think we have brought up this topic at some point, but maybe in another form - When I have to learn something, I listen to that piece for a long time. I try and see if i can sing it by heart - I can sing almost ALL of Steve Vai's solos It will be in your head and automatically in your fingers as well



Hehe! Good work mate! It looks like you have a great picking exercise - it sounds very correct so far, which is great!

Around 0:30, I think you missed a note? Other than that, just keep pushing the speed until you reach the top, slowly

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 6 2014, 06:27 PM

I'm nearing 120, but struggling, and I bet the last 20 bpm will be a rough ride!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 6 2014, 06:30 PM

It's always like that man! But keep pushing! I know you can do it No rush though, ok?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 13 2014, 01:24 PM

Hey Cosmin,

Did you see my thread about my "new 8 string" guitar? Or rather, I've taken the lowest 7 strings from an 8 string set of strings and put them on my 7 string and it's working surprisingly well.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 13 2014, 05:13 PM

Howdy man, not yet - I will check it out tho I have been busy these days with a martial arts seminar that started Friday and ended today Banzaiii! How is your practicing coming along, eh?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 13 2014, 05:17 PM

Busy, busy Cosmin! How was the seminar then?

Since I've now put "wrong" strings on my 7 string for the Neoclassical Etude lesson, I need to practice it on my stratocaster, which has a slightely different feel, so there's been a small set back in that, but I'm getting there.

And cool, check it out!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 13 2014, 05:57 PM

I sure will - I have the thread opened Now, the seminar was a blast, but VERY tiring.. I can barely feel my soles and my legs as well.. That Japanese master with whom we have been training, is one hell of a fighter..

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 13 2014, 05:59 PM

Then you know you've worked well!

I played the first football game of the season yesterday. First time I played as a goalkeeper for 11 years, but I made some good saves and we won 2-1. Hopefully we can carry that form to the next match.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 14 2014, 07:13 AM

Hehe! yes it was mate You know, yesterday, in the end when we had to demonstrate what we have learned, our dojo did the best.

I didn't know you are into sports! That's very nice I don't like soccer and watching soccer and all the crazy thing about the team supporters and all, BUT I enjoyed playing it when I was a teenager It was all about playing for me.. But, I realized I am more of an individualistic guy - being all into martial arts and that sort.

I like team play, but usually there's a lot of egos you need to hold together in a team am I right?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 23 2014, 06:42 PM

Hey Cosmin!

I'm back from a bit of a break! I have been very focused on playing football and not much else, and it has meant I took a break from guitar - not on purpose, it just happened. But now my knee needs a break, as it's totally done for - some rehab needed as well, probably. Seeing a physio tomorrow.

Also, my attic room...well, I had to clear it, remember? Cause they had to do some work up there. That was almost 3 months ago, and guess what... they haven't even started yet. So now I've become impatient and have put all my stuff back there, so I can go there and practice.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 24 2014, 07:01 AM

Hey matey!

Welcome back! Well, then let's get to work How do you feel about getting into the running collab? It's an Iron Maiden tribute collab and there are 7 days left for the entries, if you are interested: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=52257

Otherwise, what would you like to work on? I know you are a good phraser so, maybe enriching the vocabulary with some stuff that's a bit out of the comfort zone would be interesting?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 24 2014, 11:50 AM

Thanks!

I might enter the collab. I'll have a look at it tonight

I'm mostly wanting to work on my rythm playing and coming up with licks and riffs to include in songs. But that's also what I'm thinking about doing with Gabriel. I basically just want to get back into having fun with the guitar and creating riffs and ideas.

I'd love to write something like this:



Or generally just some more djenty stuff.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 25 2014, 07:59 AM

Heh! This is my favorite song from CloudKicker! I discovered the song back in 2009 I think and I was stoked!

Hmm, well, if you want to go on with the riffage, I think that taking your 7 string for a spin on two of these lessons, could be a good start:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Djent-Time-Signatures/

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Metal-Metrics-3/ - this one is really tricky in respect to keeping a good timing I definitely think you should try this one.

Let me know what ya think and we'll take it from there

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 5 2014, 11:55 AM

Now where the hell did my head go? I can't seem to find my way back into playing guitar on a consistent basis. I've currently tuned my 7 string in the djenty tuning of drop G# like a lot of bands play in, but it hasn't really inspired me all that much.

I have also finally put my strat for sale, hoping to sell it so I can buy an 8 string instead.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 5 2014, 08:50 PM

Hey bro

Well now, welcome back How have you been all this time? I'd be curious to listen to some of your samples in the new tuning You know, usually, when I don't feel like playing, I just pick up my acoustic and sing and play something - it feels genuinely good ALL the time! Have you tried that?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 5 2014, 10:36 PM

My acoustic has 3 year old strings on it and it feels horrible

I've been so and so, played a lot of computer all of a sudden, which I usually don't. But I've enjoyed it and actually been able to keep focused and concentrated about it, so my psychiatrist (yeah, alright, just putting it out here for all to read ) says that's a good thing and a step in the right direction.

Anyway, I've actually sold my strat now. And I'll be buying an 8 string instead. So there'll be a NGD thread soon from me!

I know djent for some is getting a bit boring and starting to get passé I guess, but I'm just getting more and more into it and want to write something in that style. With some other influences probably.

I've been looking at getting the RGIR28FE-WH.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 6 2014, 07:18 AM

Well, if all things are actually turning into the right direction, it can only be a good thing. That axe looks might awesome indeed! Will you buy online or will you go out and try it? How much does it cost?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 6 2014, 08:45 AM

Going to the shop in 10 minutes to try out a similar model

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 7 2014, 08:35 AM

Good luck bro!! Let me know how it went

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 7 2014, 11:40 PM

Played it, it was lovely and a similar model has been ordered. Really can't wait till I get it!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 8 2014, 07:31 AM

Hey man! Glad to hear you are stoked on it

Maybe this'll be a good motivation to get you back on the run again in respect to playing the guitar?

It should be after all, you are eager to get it and play the hell out of her What do you plan on doing to become acquainted with the new geometry of the instrument fretboard?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 8 2014, 08:17 AM

I haven't really been thinking too much about that. 27" felt pretty natural and especially easier when soloing.

And yes, hopefully it'll give me some new inspiration. Plus I'll probably have it tuned EBEADGBE, so I'll actually have a guitar tuned in regular tuning for once. Well, sort of, you know...all except the lowest string. So maybe I'll be back with some REC-takes again.

Annoyingly I would have recieved it today had it not arrived 7 minutes too late at the postal sorting facility... So now I have to wait till Monday.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 8 2014, 01:48 PM

Oh, it's coming today anyway!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 8 2014, 10:10 PM

Was supposed to recieve it today between 2PM and 9PM, so I sat waiting by the window, watching for the delivery van. Did it show up? No! Do the company know where the package is? No...It's apparently gone.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 9 2014, 03:58 PM

Hey bro, take it slow

I'm sure it'll be there - if not, try calling the delivery company - don't you have a tracking number or something like that? Was it supposed to arrive from a different city? What delivery company are we talking about?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 9 2014, 04:21 PM

Well, it was supposed to be delivered yesterday, and in their track and trace system it says that they have called me (they haven't!) and that it has already been delivered according to what was arranged on the phone.

Then I called them and said I'd never been called. They told me that I would be called. I never was. Then I called them again, then they said that their delivery guy hadn't returned yet, but they didn't know where the package was and they would try and find out. Then I called them later, then they said I could pick it up at the post office today. Then I called them again just to make sure and I talked to another guy who said: "there'll be something new in track and trace by tomorrow morning, don't worry". Nope, no news.

So I called them this morning and now they're saying it's at their sorting facility and will be delivered monday, but I'm not having much faith in them. But all I can do is hope till monday.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 10 2014, 10:30 PM

As the old saying goes - good things come to those who wait

I am certain that the axe will arrive at your doorstep tomorrow morning, so no worries mate - things like these happen and after all you have a receipt that you should've received in case something goes extremely wrong - if they haven't given it to you (supposing the guitar hasn't yet arrived) you can most likely get your money back or so. But let's hope it's not the case Let me know when it arrives

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 20 2014, 01:12 PM

MR. LUPUUU!

As you know from other threads, the axe arrived. Apparently they didn't deliver it cause they thought my "company" was closed after 5PM. I don't have a company though, which is weird. But in the end it got here. I got a bit worried when they told me they didn't know where it was though.

Anyway, as I said elsewhere, I'm working on Muris' Odd Grooves lesson. I saw someone else do a take and it inspired me to try it out. Same goes for Vinnie Moore style patterns 1 and 2, which I'm thinking about giving a go.

My memory seems to be completely out the window though, especially for the Odd Grooves lesson. Just can't seem to grasp it. I can play it while looking at the tabs, but once I close the tab window, boom... I don't know what I'm doing anymore!

EDIT: Also another lesson I'd like to tackle is this:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/greg_howe_techniques/

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 21 2014, 07:51 AM

Hey bro! Glad to see you motivated and working hard

So there are three lessons you want to nail, let's stick to them and see them done, ok? I answered in the thread where you mentioned the Muris odd Grooves and shared some tips to remember the piece by HEART and NOT using tabs Please take a look here and tell me what you think:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=52823&view=findpost&p=694449

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 21 2014, 10:38 AM

Just gonna move this in here:

Humming through that many octaves is a bit difficult for me, but I'll try and work on it that way.

Usually I just play the lesson with the tabs for a bit and then without the tabs after a short while and it usually sticks to my mind by then. One other thing I've tried doing with this Odd Grooves lesson is air guitaring/humming in my head. I'm almost there though, I can almost remember it now!

But I have a busy day ahead of me today and untill tomorrow evening. So I won't be able to work on anything till then.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 22 2014, 07:13 AM

Hehe, well - see, this is one of the advantages of singing You won't encounter difficulties such as this one, once you start singing and figuring out how to shift through octaves - I for one, usually stick to a lower octave when I have to reproduce something that is beyond my range - the important thing here, is to be able to reproduce the line so that you can make sure you are remembering it.

Try to use tabs as little as possible I know it's tempting, but they will only slow you down, because instead of paying attention to your playing and what's most important - LISTENING, you will be looking at the tab

Take your time and send me the recording when you are ready, deal?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 27 2014, 11:28 AM

Okay, if it isn't one thing, it's another and if it ain't that it's a third thing. My computer started freezing up last night. I think I got it fixed now, from reinstalling everything. Still need to install a few things though.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 28 2014, 07:15 AM

Man, I wish you good luck with your gear - seems like a superior evil force wants to prevent you from recording... I say kick its behind and fix that PC It's a good thing that you have managed to deliver the collab files in time! So, after getting the gear ready, what will the first lesson recording be?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 28 2014, 10:01 AM

I think the first recording will be of Odd Grooves. It's annoyingly difficult to play on an 8 string though, as normally you'd have the low E string right there half in the open to hit, but now I have to cope with having two strings below it, which I must avoid.

I also learned the first lesson of the Vinnie Moore thingie from Laszlo (if I recall correctly), but it's almost too easy for me to even put up for the REC.

Also one other thing I'm working at is just coming up with as many riffs as possible to see if I can't come up with something cool to use to actually create a song.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 29 2014, 07:47 AM

Well then Here's what I suggest:

- let's see a recording of the Odd Grooves as it is now and we can discuss on it, if there are things to improve
- why not share your riff ideas with me? I can be your 'lab rat' and if my ears sense a 'hit' I'll tell you right away then you can develop it and see where it takes you

Deal, mate?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Dec 15 2014, 04:07 PM

Howdy Cosmin!

How are you?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 16 2014, 11:07 AM

Hey matey! Just finished a difficult last week - had 2 gigs, a big acoustic one and a Pantera one And now I'm having another busy time with the year finale and the stuff that comes along with it. How about yourself? Practicing, writing? Have you managed to find a band? What be the news with you?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Dec 17 2014, 05:15 PM

Sounds rough! I hope the gigs went well

Not many news unfortunately. I haven't played all that much since I came up with the last set of riffs. I still want to build on that, but I can't seem to connect it to anything that fits as much as I would like it to. So I've just been coming up with other riffs really.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 18 2014, 09:52 AM

Hey Ben - well then, let's hear the other riffs in action

But, why not try to develop something out of what you have? It doesn't have to be connected to something you already have - what do you think?

Maybe this will inspire you - it's my latest discovery: